I read a verse in Judges the other day that has sparked my thinking–actually, it is the question that is posed in Judges 6:31 that has caused me to take a look at my life from a different angle–Will you contend for Baal?

If you are familiar with the Old Testament book of Judges, you will recall that the Israelites had a reoccurring problem with idolatry–as you read through the book you will see a pattern of apostasy, servitude, supplication to God for deliverance, and salvation. It was the god Baal that the children of Israel chose to worship rather than the Creator God–perhaps because the idol could be seen (but couldn’t see or hear or answer prayers). In contrast, the true and living God could not be seen but sees and hears, and He answers prayers. Baal supposedly was a god of fertility, meant to bless crops and livestock. The God of heaven sends the rain to water the crops, He causes the increase, and it is He who is the true source of blessing!

I know of no existing temples of Baal today. However, I know that idols made with hands still exist and the things we trust in, rely on, or make of the highest importance are different for each person. For some it is the obvious–wealth, power, or position. Others it may be our time or our “rights”. For some it may be our religion or doctrine (that is tricky because the grace of God does not preclude the truth of Jesus!). Each person must hear from the Holy Spirit what may be hampering their own honest relationship with our Father or their ability to hear God’s voice–He does speak to us, that’s what makes it a relationship not a religion!

A common aspect of contending is in the legal sense of defending either guilt or innocence–am I attempting to defend an attitude or activity before God, to defend a need I don’t think He is fulfilling? What about claiming that some scriptures don’t apply to me because for some unique reason, I’m a special case (I’ve done that but would have worded it differently to protect my “innocence”). How about standing before Jesus, the one who gave up His life and attempting to defend or contend for my rights?

The Bible gives us some things to contend or strive for:

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3).

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14)–these are not mutually exclusive, which seems to make an interesting conundrum in our culture!

…strive to excel in building up the church (1 Cor. 14:12).

Paul asked the church in Rom to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf (Romans 15:30).

So the question is, What are we contending or striving for? We are given some very specific directions to focus our energies: the faith of our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ, peace with others, holiness, the building up of the church, and prayer.

Today I choose to tear down the idols and contend for the faith!